Rub That Belly

We had our first MOPS meeting of the year last week and our speaker, the awesomely cool Michelle (who I somehow always manage to drive past after hitting the McD's drive thru) talked about the Gary Smalley personality test and how it applies to our families.

When I mention this, it seems that a lot of people know what I'm talking about. Smalley is a pastor who wrote a book about the four basic categories of personality that EVERY person falls into...and uses an animal analogy. The animals are Lion, Otter, Golden Retriever and Beaver.

Basically even though our circumstances can change our outlook, we are who we are starting at about age 5. Michelle said even though Tessa is too young to be officially categorized, that we could probably guess at what she was.

My girl is a Golden Retriever, without a doubt. That means she is motivated others and being social, affection and praise. Basically she needs her belly rubbed. She rarely throws tantrums because she doesn't seem to care much about being right or having control but she DOES burst into tears easily if her feeling are hurt or someone isn't playing nicely.

Michelle talked to us about how to discipline the different animal types which was very insightful as well. Tessa can't stand to be put in a time out where she can see everyone going on about their business while she is left out. Ignoring her makes her crazy. A Lion or Beaver child might not care as much about this, and a different technique is best. Cool huh?

It's already making an improvement around here because I am consciencely remembering to 'rub her belly'. Myself, I am a beaver and less prone to physical affection. Giving her praise and playing with her just lights her up!

Anyway, here is the website where you can take the test and get more info on what you are, and below is the cliff's notes version.

Lion (Jeremy):
-is daring and unafraid in new situations
-Likes to be a leader. Often tells others how to do things
-ready to take on any kind of challenge
-is firm and serious about what is expected
-makes decisions quickly

Otter:
- talks a lot and tells wild stories
- likes to do all kinds of fun things
-enjoys being in group. Likes to perform.
- full of energy and always eager to play.
- always happy and sees the good part of everything

Golden Retriever (Tessa):
- always loyal and faithful to friends
- listens carefully to others
- likes to help others, feels sad when others are hurt
- is a peacemaker. Doesn't like it when others argue.
- patient and willing to wait for something

Beaver (Me):
- Is neat and tidy and notices little details
- sticks with something until it is done
- asks alot of questions
- likes things done the same way
- tells things just the way they are

As a sidenote, the guy who wrote this book is a pastor and impresses the importance that God recognizes us as who we are (and loves us)...and that he created us to be our animal. So being one of the other is never 'better'. You are who you are!